Owners, Managers and Guides

Liz & Stefano Cheli – Owners
Born of Italian parents, Stefano grew up in Kenya, spending his early days on including Loisaba Ranch and Oasis Lodge at Lake Turkana – Stefano's favourites.  Stefano completed secondary schooling in Italy, and his National Service, before returning to Kenya in 1980 as General Manger of Loisaba Ranch.  Before starting Cheli & Peacock with Liz, Stefano spent a year as a Professional Hunter in Tanzania.

Liz had English parents, but was born in Venezuela and grew up in Nairobi.  She completed secondary schooling in England, before returning to Kenya in 1979 to work as Administrator on a 60,000acre ranch in Laikipia.  Before starting Cheli & Peacock with Stefano, Liz spent a year as a freelance Professional Guide on camping safaris throughout Kenya.
Liz and Stefano have two sons, Joss and Sebastian.

Patrick & Sophie - Managers

Patrick has been in Africa for most of his life. Growing up in Rwanda, this is where his passion for African wildlife and the outdoors began. "In the hospitality/tourism business since 1994, I started my carreer as a Diving Instructor in Egypt, where I was managing a liveaboard diving vessel for 4 years. My heart wanted to go back to what I called “The Real Africa” though, and it sent me to Kenya. I started as a Diving Manager on the south coast of Kenya, then went to Pemba Island where I began my real experience of lodge management. My experience continued to South Sudan were I managed a lodge in Western Bahr El Gazal, but my longing for the bush was too much and after a year of taking guests on safaris to different parts of Kenya, I joined Elephant Pepper Camp, where I believe I found what I was looking for. My big interest in the bush is the walks, so whenever you feel like walking, I will be happy to take you and share my knowledge with you."

Sophie's first experience of Africa began as a child, in Burundi. "I lived there with my parents until I was six years old, and returned to visit as much as possible later. My school education was in Cyprus and university in the south of France, where I studied English and French. I then worked in a well-known French bank in Cyprus after my studies, until I became engaged to Patrick and finally returned to Africa, where we joined EPC."

GUIDES

Stanley Kipkoske Too (Head Guide)

• Stanley is one of the most experienced guides in the Mara.
• Starting out with Stefano and Liz in Cheli & Peacock's mobile beginnings, he has more than 20 years guiding experience in the bush, most of it here in the Mara.
• A gentleman, Stanley possesses a distinctive sense of humour, a passion for all wildlife, and an extensive fan club!
• Whilst a self-confessed generalist, Stanley has a remarkable knowledge of birds and mammals, and is always seen clutching a pair of binoculars.
• Stanley is a bronze level KPSGA guide.

George Kiplangat

• George is from the Kalengen tribe and before becoming a guide he worked as a groom training race-horses!
• He is a KPSGA Silver level guide.
• George is known to be the most fair and laidback member of staff. He came to Elephant Pepper Camp from Elsa's Kopje, after exchanging places with his brother Richard Morogo (who is now at Elsa's Kopje).
• George's favourite animal is the Elephant, and he has a great interest in all birds

Francis Mburugu

• Francis has worked for a number of years with the Kenya Wildlife Service, in a number of capacities, most notably with the rehabilitation and care of wildlife in Daphne Sheldrick's animal orphanage.
• Cheerful and fun, Francis is passionate about the welfare of our wildlife and has a particular fascination with predators.
• Francis is a KPSGA Silver level guide.

John Kamau Mariba

• More details coming...